Talking to SBS Urdu the Labor MP, Tony Burke says people in many areas are being affected including retail, hospitality, construction, teachers and those in the arts and entertainment sector amid COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are arguing that the 12-months rule where unless you have been a casual and work at the same place for 12 months, you completely fall off the job keeper program.
"Certainly there are some people who are able to go home but many others are not able to return back due to a range of circumstances. Labor wants to make sure that we should not end up with the situation when these people cannot leave the country and there is no support available to them.
"It is bad for them and also bad for our health system. The government has recognised for New Zealand people but not for their partners and not for temporary visa holders. They are not recognised by the government at the current moment."
There are workers who are left behind and Labor asks the government to fix it.
صف مردم در یکی از شعبههای سنترلینک در ماه مارچ Source: AAP
The program gives $1,500 per fortnight per employee to the affected businesses to pay to their workers.
However, the subsidy program excludes non-resident workers and casuals who have not been with their employer for more than 12 months.
The Labor MP told SBS Urdu that the simple principle is that workers are “not left behind.”
“Labor is advocating for casuals not be left behind here, and the sort of problem with the 12-month rule means that many people who had a reasonable expectation that they would be working and now can’t work have been left off the system completely.”
Now more than ever people living in Australia are looking to the government to receive clear messages and clear guidance about what to do and what not to do.
“Every time the messages are not clear, it is not a political argument, it is a problem for national health."
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
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